Everyday Home Solutions We face a whole variety of challenges at home everyday and this page was created to provide solutions which hopefully would help ease them in one way or another.

I should know - many a times after the invitations have been sent out and the mountainous task of the actual preparations begin, I ask myself what have I got myself into? Holding back my intense urge to call off the party, I plough ahead. As the actual day dawns and all the worries set in and my nerves go haywire, I feel a tension headache coming on. Then, when its all over and having had a wonderful time mingling, I find myself relieved and high on endorphins. Plus, perplexed as to why was I so flustered in the first place? For someone who loves but doesn't entertain very often ( I believe my last party was in 2013!), it can be a daunting task.

How do some of us pull it off so easily?

At this point, I have to mention my friend Shereen Mohandas who holds awesome parties. If you regularly hold get togethers and dinner parties, you kind of become a pro at entertaining. Shereen is one of them. I haven't actually been to one of Shereen's dinner parties but Supermom rhapsodizes about them ( you remember Supermom, don't you? A regularly featured Mom in my blog who prefers to remain anonymous).

This is what Supermom has to say about Shereen's one of a kind parties-'Guest list - is kept to a manageable number. Everyone knows everyone else and the ones who don't are quickly included because of the size of the guests.​Mood Setting - decorations are tastefully done and are occasion appropriate.​Entertaining - both the husband and wife entertain the guests and ensure everyone's needs are taken care of. They are calm and at ease and there isn't any stress.​Food and Cutlery - Food served is always scrumptious (of course - Shereen is an exceptional cook) and pretty cutlery and crockery are used '

I did some background research as to how to hold an awesome party that guests will be singing praises about for days and years like Shereen's. The main aim of your party is for your guests to have a great time. Your preparations for the party - whether its a small gathering or a raging party - will revolve around this aim.​BEFORE THE ACTUAL DAY OF THE PARTY1)What Type of Party?​Figure out what type of party you want to host. Are you hosting a themed dinner party? Or something small and intimate? Or an open house where you give the guests a huge leeway of time to turn up. Another friend of mine Gamar held an open house last year where she invited us to attend her Eid party anytime between 12-8pm. It gave us - the guests- a choice of whether we wanted to attend a lunch, tea or dinner party..Her party food was prepared accordingly - a lot of small bites, light drinks and a little heavier food for those who had come during the main meal times. It fitted our time frame and tastes perfectly.

​Discuss with your loved ones what kind of party you would want to host first - this will give you a good direction on who to invite, what decorations to get and what food to prepare. ​

​2)Invite only the Number of People you can Manage​When sending out invitations or inviting over the phone, assume everyone is going to say yes. Don't send out tons of invitations hoping only a set amount can make it. It will turn out disastrous if everyone happens to turn up and you find yourself struggling and the food isn't enough. Asking for an RSVP is a great way to help you plan the food, drinks and games (if you are holding any). By rule of thumb, if you are looking at close conversations, you may want to limit to 10-12 people. Do let your friends know if they can bring their families or their dates along

​3)Let your Friends know What Type of Party they are Attending​The best way to do this is through a dress code. Let your guests know whether its a black tie or casual party so that no one feels over or under dressed. Sometimes you don't have to be so obvious with the dress code - the invitations itself would be quite forthright. If its to celebrate Eid or Diwali or any major holidays, guests should know how to dress accordingly.

4)Make Sure There is Adequate Food

​If you are cooking, give yourself ample time to prepare. Cook more food than you think you'll need. Plan for an extra 2-3 guests to ensure no running out. If you are catering for a buffet, the caterer would advise you accordingly. Typically reduce the head count by 5-10 for the food order. Let's say you are anticipating 40 guests, you should only cater for 30-35. Or you can cook and cater as well to reduce your costs. My sis June just had an amazing dinner party over the Eid weekend (See pic below). Apart from catering for the briyani and the samosas, she had cooked most of the dishes - she served a variety of delicious vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes as well. Her parties are always a success as she is quite a pro hosting - great food, great company and a wonderful cosy party ambience. The only drawback was that the food wasn't warm. Do invest in some food warmers especially if you hold parties often.

My sis June (in turquoise blue) with her guests during her Eid Party. Notice the dimmed yellow lights - how it creates a cosy mood. Guests are dressed in traditional attire in line with Eid.

Continuing on the above note - expect any dietary restrictions in advance ie make sure there are gluten free, vegetarian or halal options available. Look out for food that may cause allergies too like nuts and seafood. Highlight to the guests or print it on the food cards if you are serving buffet. Have a variety of drinks on hand - serve juices and sodas as well as beers and wine if you are having guests of mixed ages.

​5) Give your House a Makeover

​Ensure your house is clean and neat to leave a good impression. If guests enter a beautiful well made house, they would think twice about trashing the place.

Close the doors if you don't want people in certain rooms.

Stock the common toilet with extra toilet tissue.

Make sure trash cans are available for easy disposal.

Crockery, cutlery and glasses must be cleaned thoroughly before the party. Try to avoid using plastic or paper disposables as it spoils the mood of the party. This doesn't apply, of course, if it is a huge party.

Remove any breakables especially if young kids are invited as well.

Ample seating for everyone is a must.

If decorations are used, it must be put up well in advance and tastefully done. Lighting should be fitting to enhance the ambience of the party.

6) Give Yourself Ample Time to Prepare on the Day of the Party​If you think you need 2 hours to get ready and for the final preparations before the party begins, add in one to two more hours. You will suddenly realise you had forgotten napkins or the food labels. It is important to be relaxed and calm before the party to ensure a smooth running one.

DURING THE PARTY​1)Be calm and and collected no matter what happens.Don't let your stress and your frayed nerves show. Drinks may spill or food may run out. Relax and stay friendly. Guests shouldn't feel like they are stressing you out. People are generally nice and they would accomodate to whatever unfortunate situations that may arise.

2)Welcome each and every guest personally as they arrive.​Introduce newer guests to the older ones and their backgrounds so that conversations can start rolling among them. Spend some time with each guest during the party and drift around to mingle with others. This is important so that the guests feel you took time to see and talk to them personally.

3)Don't do any major cleaning while the guests are still around. ​No one wants to see you scrambling around cleaning while they are still trying to have fun. Major spills and messes should be cleaned up immediately. Otherwise, chill and converse.

​On a last note - remember guests have arrived at your place to have meaningful conversations with everyone, to enjoy the food and to have a pleasant time. Keeping that in mind, plan your party and remember to enjoy yourself as well during the planning process. Ask pros for help if you need - they would be more than willing to help, pleasantly surprised that you have approached them. I know who I'll be approaching :) Good Luck !